Introducing Examples of Obtaining Particle Size Distribution and Particle Shape Information Simultaneously with the Mastersizer

Introducing measurement examples of the Mastersizer 3000 wet system dedicated unit, “Flow Particle Image Analyzer Hydro Insight”.

What is Hydro Insight?

• A new measurement unit that combines Vision Analytical’s dynamic imaging knowledge with Malvern Panalytical’s dispersion and flow knowledge.
• Simultaneously with the particle size distribution measurement of the Mastersizer, you can acquire individual particle images and 30 types of particle shape parameters.
• You can acquire details of particle shapes in addition to conventional particle size distribution, allowing you to see a new aspect of particles.

→Click here for more details on Hydro Insight products

Measurement Examples (2 Cases) of Hydro Insight

Measurement Case 1: Ibuprofen

The upper row shows the results of the laser diffraction method of ibuprofen measured by placing it in water without dispersion treatment. A peak with a modal diameter of 100μm was obtained. When measured with Hydro Insight, the distribution remained the same, but aggregated particles were seen in the particle images.
In the lower row, ibuprofen was subjected to ultrasonic treatment before measurement. A particle size distribution around 40μm was obtained. Hydro Insight also showed images that were settled on what seemed to be primary particles.

Conclusion: Only from the laser diffraction method distribution, it was not possible to identify aggregation.

Measurement Case 2: Alumina Particles with Almost the Same Distribution

The upper row is spray-dried alumina, and the lower row is fused alumina, but they have almost the same distribution. When viewed with Hydro Insight, the spray-dried product was spherical, and the fused alumina had a non-spherical shape.
When mixed and measured, Hydro Insight showed two connected peaks. Presumably, the large peak is the spray-dried alumina and the small peak is the fused alumina peak. The laser diffraction method distribution did not allow for two-peak separation analysis.
Conclusion: Even with the same particle size distribution, different shapes were found, and Hydro Insight provided a high-resolution particle size distribution.
 

This example is explained in detail in a webinar conducted jointly with Seishin Enterprises in November 2021. Please also watch the recorded version of the webinar.
→Click here for the video introduction of the measurement case with audio commentary!